The Introverted Folks

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

Does anyone else have this problem or am I a freakin weirdo? I feel like this will surely be a detriment to my overall pre-nursing well-being. Anyone else who has an introverted personality?

I am a total introvert, and so are many of the members who post on this site. You are not alone, and you definitely are not weird or different.

While I'm not shy, I have a quiet personality. I prefer to distance myself from large social settings and would rather be alone or with 1 other person. Being an introvert will not affect your ability to get through nursing school. I did not bond with anyone while in school and still managed to pass my state boards on the first attempt. Don't change your introverted personality because nothing is wring with you.

If something critical is occurring with your patient, however, it is imperative that you speak up and be heard.

You might want to read this thread.

narcissistic · Mar 8, 2006

If the "stage fright" is really bad for you - you might look into beta blockers - they are used to treat severe stage fright with out the decreased LOC you get with anxiolytics. Then you can at least funtion without the heart racing and shakes and sweating (which always makes the public speaking experience even worse - a vicious cycle!).
Good luck to you!

So these beta blockers, are they prescription? And what are the side effects?

maolin · Mar 8, 2006

So these beta blockers, are they prescription? And what are the side effects?

Yes, beta blockers are rx. You'd need to talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of using beta blockers to treat your performance anxiety. Because BB are cardiac drugs, there is the potential for serious side effects and interactions.

If you really can't manage speaking without severe anxiety, and have tried everyone's non pharmacological methods, I'd definately speak to your doctor about it.

If you can have a couple of postive experiences with speaking, you'll get over the hump, build confidence and soon it won't be quite so intimidating.

Best wishes!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 8, 2006

I can really relate to your fears.....I don't really remember having to do much "public speaking" until I hit junior college when I was in my early 40's and if I wanted that da*% degree, I was going to have to forge through it. Being prepared helped a lot. And then, you just do it. One of my first experiences was an Oral Communications class where she taped us and we had to go back to a side room and view ourselves :eek: .

And somehow, it gets easier. And you start seeing VERY QUICKLY, that there are many who are as nervous or more so than you are. And that you're all in the same boat. And then you do another presentation, and another, and another.....and while you may never learn to love them, your grade, or the topic, or something else becomes a little more in the forefront of your mind rather than abject terror that you have to get up in front of people and TALK!!!!

I also had someone tell me once that they had mistaken my shyness for snobiness!! That really got to me as I hated thinking anyone thought that of me.

Hang in there....and best wishes!

CalsMom · Mar 25, 2006

I am so glad I found this thread. It is reassuring to know that there are other successful "quiet" types. I don't really dwell on the fact that I am an introvert until it is brought to my attention... like today...my clinical instructor pulled me aside and informed me that my "shyness" could interfere with my performance in nursing school. She mentioned that I need to "step it up" and become more assertive. She said that she can't tell if I am "getting it" because I am so quiet. This has completely thrown me because I have been feeling quite comfortable in clinical. I understand that at appropriate times it is important to be assertive. For example, I work as a PCT and I have had to assert myself at times as a patient advocate. However, I am just not a confrontational person if I don't have to be. I asked her to clarify because I don't see how being shy would make me an incompetent nurse. Basically, she told that I will get "eaten alive" after I graduate if I don't become more assertive. Maybe she thinks she is helping me but talk about a blow to my self-esteem. I'm not quite sure what to think...

Lee-Lee · Mar 27, 2006

There is a big difference between being introverted and shy.

I'm very introverted, i.e., I much prefer to be alone than in big crowds, being in big crowds, while I enjoy it, often exhausts me. Whereas, an extrovert is typically energized by being in big crowds and unhappy with being alone.

But I'm not shy at all.

darwinsbluefish · Apr 5, 2006

I understand exactly how you feel. I am very shy and any sort of public speaking makes me a blubbering mess. I ended up taking my public speaking class during the summer session so there wouldn't be as many students in the class. It was hard for me, but it was much easier than taking it with the normal class size. You can do it....just remember to breathe. This too shall pass and you will be proud of yourself for tackiling your fear

Good Luck to you...I'm sending happy thoughts your way!